Nov 12, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies running back Travon McMillian (34) celebrates a touchdown run with offensive lineman Wade Hansen (77) in the second quarter of their game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Bobby Dodd Stadium. The Hokies defeated the Yellow Jackets 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Running back Travon McMillian had a big night, helping Virginia Tech erase an early two-touchdown deficit and beat Georgia Tech 23-21 Thursday in Atlanta.
The Hokies recovered a Georgia Tech fumble in Yellow Jackets territory and subsequently took their first lead, 23-21, on McMillian’s 4-yard run with seven minutes to play. McMillian finished with 135 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries.
Virginia Tech botched the extra point on McMillian’s fourth-quarter touchdown run, leaving the margin at two points.
Georgia Tech then marched into Hokies territory with less than a minute to play but wound up turning over the ball on downs.
The Yellow Jackets got off to a fast start. A long pass from quarterback Justin Thomas to wide receiver Ricky Jeune set up a 4-yard touchdown run by Marcus Allen for a 7-0 lead two minutes into the game.
Georgia Tech extended the margin to 14-0 on running back Clinton Lynch’s 4-yard touchdown run at the end of the first quarter.
McMillan scored on a 2-yard run in the second quarter, and Virginia Tech quarterback Michael Brewer hooked up with wide receiver Isaiah Ford on a 17-yard touchdown pass to send the game to halftime tied 14-14.
Georgia Tech (3-7, 1-6 Atlantic Coast Conference) regained the lead early in the third quarter on Brant Mitchell’s 32-yard interception return for a touchdown.
Virginia Tech got a 29-yard field goal from kicker Joey Slye in the middle of the third period to slice the deficit to 21-17.
After dropping four of five and having coach Frank Beamer announce this is his last season, the Hokies (5-5, 3-3 ACC) have won two straight. They host No. 23 North Carolina next week.
